UKFT education partner Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design is showcasing the work of over 150 students from 15 different countries this week at its 2024 Degree Show. The event is open to the public until Friday 7 June 2024. It is taking place at the university’s Scottish Borders Campus in Galashiels, in a converted mill where the school is based.

The show features the work of students from six undergraduate programmes and six postgraduate programmes at Heriot-Watt School of Textiles and Design:

Undergraduate degrees – Bachelor of Arts Honours degrees in Fashion, Fashion Technology, Design for Textiles, Communication Design, Interior Architecture & Design, and Fashion Branding & Promotion.

Postgraduate programmes – Master of Arts in Fashion & Textile Design, Digital Design & Innovation, Fashion & Textile Design with Industry Placement, Interior Architecture & Design, Master of Science (MSc) degrees in Fashion & Textile Management, and Design Management.

Image: Kai Parker – Textile designs inspired by Scottish landscapes

David Cavallaro, Head of Discipline and Project Lead for the Degree Show at Heriot-Watt School of Textiles and Design, said: “The Degree Show is a vital part of the year, where students get to showcase all their hard work and also how they’ve evolved and learned. It’s an important stepping stone in their career journey, whether they’re continuing their study or going into industry. Students and staff start preparing for the show months in advance, so it’s very exciting for us to see it all preparing to launch.”

The projects on display include fabric designs inspired by Scottish landscapes developed by Kai Parker, a 24-year-old Design for Textiles student. Kai used both screen and digital printing for this series.

Kai commented: “My collection is called ‘Cianalas,’ which is Scottish Gaelic for a sense of longing or belonging to a place. I’ve used watercolour to reflect Scotland’s natural beauty. My designs are inspired by Scottish heritage and include quirky animals, organic shapes and joyful motifs. My animal motifs were inspired by Scottish folklore tales about creatures like Kelpies and Selkies, which take form as seals and horses in my prints. I’ve also used playful illustrations of birds, inspired by Scottish crossbills and robins. I remember learning about these sorts of folk tales in school, which evokes a sense of nostalgia.”

Image: Eguvwe Yugbovwre – Lagos exhibit

The show also features a fully immersive room taking visitors into an introductory journey to Lagos, Nigeria, created by Eguvwe Yugbovwre, a 36-year-old post graduate Digital Design and Innovation student. A spiky silver jacket and other fashion items interpreting the theme of men’s mental health designed by Matea Mandarić, a 22-year-old fashion student, are also displayed at the show.

Julian Malins, Executive Dean at Heriot-Watt School of Textiles and Design, commented: “We are consistently amazed by the talent of our students across so many different disciplines, and our 2024 Degree Show demonstrates that. What’s particularly remarkable about our cohort this year is their diversity, with so many countries and backgrounds represented. This says a lot about the appeal and status of our degrees – and also the commitment of our staff, who work incredibly hard throughout the year

 

The show is open to the public from 1 – 7 June 2024 at Heriot-Watt University, Scottish Borders Campus, High Mill Building, Galashiels, TD1 3HE. Click on the link below for more information: 

2024 Degree Show